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29 Aug, 2024 by John garcia
I Juan Garcia the Shermer firm highly recommended in auto accidents.they sent me to the medical doctors for my injuries.the attorney and assistances were very helpful on the case I was very pleased on the outcome thank you 😊
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22 Aug, 2024 by Nazario dorado silva
Excellent service very professional and made this whole process stress free I highly recommend the Schurmer firm.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Robert coronado
Amazing communication throughout the entire process the entire process! Met with Attorney Schurmer twice, which is something that I have never experienced, usually they are to busy. Again amazing experience
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24 Jul, 2024 by A r
We hired Kendall VanConas and this firm to update our estate - they initially said they'd print our documents and give return them to us in a day or two - instead they took weeks just to print copies of our estate documents and only gave them back weeks later after we had to prompt them and ask for them.
After that, we had to continually call and send emails to repeatedly ask when we were going to ever hear from them about our estate planning after our initial meeting in May, we were told their assistant went on vacation so they were behind and would try to catch up soon (but still never heard anything from them after that), weeks went by and again we reached out to ask when things would move forward and were told Kendall had surgery and had "gotten behind" on things in her recovery (We were never told she was out for a medical leave prior to that). We had to contact them again on July 1st only to be told they were all out of the office until after July 8th - this firm doesn't do work, they do billing and make excuses, that's about it.
They also refused to give us notes from the one meeting we had with them - for which we were billed $750 and told, the notes from that meeting were "privy for them" not for us so our request for a recap of our own estate planning meeting was refused.
Do not waste your time with this firm, they have NO incentive to move forward with your project or estate planning, they will take you as a client then sit on your estate planning and DO NOTHING, but bill you for any meetings, then drop the ball, and you will never hear from them again, very unprofessional and our experience with them was completely frustrating and a total waste of our time, as well as costly - as we got nothing from our $750 meeting with them, not even an outline or meeting recap of the notes they took from our estate planning meeting.
They also don't communicate at all, and never told us about the lead attorney's surgery or time out from the office for her recovery - and apparently, no one else in the firm does anything. (They take a full week off for July 4th - the entire firm apparently, as no one responded to our July 1 email as they were all "out of the office until after July 8th). After July 8th we still heard NOTHING. Kendall told us she would follow up with a timeline of our estate planning status the following week, but she never did, and that never happened.
When they had an assistant out of the office that also apparently makes all their work come to a screeching halt - all of this is inexcusable, unprofessional and is a poor representation of a firm that is supposed to be on their game helping people update their estate planning.
You will likely pass away before they ever get to updating your estate - we moved on and found a much better firm that actually does work, and would strongly recommend people stay away from this firm if they need something done in a reasonable time and feel communication is important at all, as this firm doesn't communicate, they make excuses when you reach out because if you hire them, you will be the one doing all the planning and reaching out, they do not do anything at all but sit on your estate planning and watch time go by!
From the first meeting in May until we fired them in July for a span of almost 2 months, we had one meeting, they copied our files and then absolutely nothing else ever happened in moving forward with our estate planning - they never gave us a timeline for getting it done, which we asked about for 3 weeks, but they never provided a timeline because they had no plan to do the work or had decided for some reason due to their incompetence and lack of continuity in their own office and within their staff's capability to take years to do an update on our estate planning.
This firm is not doing anything but taking business then sitting on it, doing meetings with clients and refusing to give the clients any notes or minutes from meetings clients are being billed for! There are firms that do effective estate planning, but sadly, this isn't one of them.
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02 Jul, 2024 by A g
Poor representation.
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27 May, 2024 by India smith
Great service highly recommended
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23 Sep, 2024 by Holly barrow
Aweful experience. I was handed a folder full of "how much money and how many magazines I've been in". Then they declined our case even though a ventura doctor was the main cause of my father's sudden passing because it wouldn't make the law office millions and he told us Ventura county is allowed to hire D- doctors. Now we lost our dad, the doctor kept practicing and my mom struggled for years because my dad was the bread winner.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Nataliee bonilla
Honestly the best service i could have asked for any questions or concerns i had were addressed and handles. Highly recommend Karen.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Karie ragan
The thought of filing for bankruptcy was terrifying, feeling scared and not knowing what to do was awful. I was referred to Karen by a friend, I called and she was able to schedule a consult right away. She made me feel so comfortable and explained the whole process step by step. She made me feel like I was doing the right thing and that everything was going to be okay. She was there every step of the way and answered all of my questions. She made the process easy and painless. Her office was great and reminding me of what what documents were needed and when. She followed up after everything was done and was there if I had any questions or concerns. I would definitely recommend her.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Holly barrow
Aweful experience. I was handed a folder full of "how much money and how many magazines I've been in". Then they declined our case even though a ventura doctor was the main cause of my father's sudden passing because it wouldn't make the law office millions and he told us Ventura county is allowed to hire D- doctors. Now we lost our dad, the doctor kept practicing and my mom struggled for years because my dad was the bread winner.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Nataliee bonilla
Honestly the best service i could have asked for any questions or concerns i had were addressed and handles. Highly recommend Karen.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Karie ragan
The thought of filing for bankruptcy was terrifying, feeling scared and not knowing what to do was awful. I was referred to Karen by a friend, I called and she was able to schedule a consult right away. She made me feel so comfortable and explained the whole process step by step. She made me feel like I was doing the right thing and that everything was going to be okay. She was there every step of the way and answered all of my questions. She made the process easy and painless. Her office was great and reminding me of what what documents were needed and when. She followed up after everything was done and was there if I had any questions or concerns. I would definitely recommend her.
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24 Jul, 2024 by A r
We hired Kendall VanConas and this firm to update our estate - they initially said they'd print our documents and give return them to us in a day or two - instead they took weeks just to print copies of our estate documents and only gave them back weeks later after we had to prompt them and ask for them.
After that, we had to continually call and send emails to repeatedly ask when we were going to ever hear from them about our estate planning after our initial meeting in May, we were told their assistant went on vacation so they were behind and would try to catch up soon (but still never heard anything from them after that), weeks went by and again we reached out to ask when things would move forward and were told Kendall had surgery and had "gotten behind" on things in her recovery (We were never told she was out for a medical leave prior to that). We had to contact them again on July 1st only to be told they were all out of the office until after July 8th - this firm doesn't do work, they do billing and make excuses, that's about it.
They also refused to give us notes from the one meeting we had with them - for which we were billed $750 and told, the notes from that meeting were "privy for them" not for us so our request for a recap of our own estate planning meeting was refused.
Do not waste your time with this firm, they have NO incentive to move forward with your project or estate planning, they will take you as a client then sit on your estate planning and DO NOTHING, but bill you for any meetings, then drop the ball, and you will never hear from them again, very unprofessional and our experience with them was completely frustrating and a total waste of our time, as well as costly - as we got nothing from our $750 meeting with them, not even an outline or meeting recap of the notes they took from our estate planning meeting.
They also don't communicate at all, and never told us about the lead attorney's surgery or time out from the office for her recovery - and apparently, no one else in the firm does anything. (They take a full week off for July 4th - the entire firm apparently, as no one responded to our July 1 email as they were all "out of the office until after July 8th). After July 8th we still heard NOTHING. Kendall told us she would follow up with a timeline of our estate planning status the following week, but she never did, and that never happened.
When they had an assistant out of the office that also apparently makes all their work come to a screeching halt - all of this is inexcusable, unprofessional and is a poor representation of a firm that is supposed to be on their game helping people update their estate planning.
You will likely pass away before they ever get to updating your estate - we moved on and found a much better firm that actually does work, and would strongly recommend people stay away from this firm if they need something done in a reasonable time and feel communication is important at all, as this firm doesn't communicate, they make excuses when you reach out because if you hire them, you will be the one doing all the planning and reaching out, they do not do anything at all but sit on your estate planning and watch time go by!
From the first meeting in May until we fired them in July for a span of almost 2 months, we had one meeting, they copied our files and then absolutely nothing else ever happened in moving forward with our estate planning - they never gave us a timeline for getting it done, which we asked about for 3 weeks, but they never provided a timeline because they had no plan to do the work or had decided for some reason due to their incompetence and lack of continuity in their own office and within their staff's capability to take years to do an update on our estate planning.
This firm is not doing anything but taking business then sitting on it, doing meetings with clients and refusing to give the clients any notes or minutes from meetings clients are being billed for! There are firms that do effective estate planning, but sadly, this isn't one of them.
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02 Jul, 2024 by A g
Poor representation.
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27 May, 2024 by India smith
Great service highly recommended
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Mediation Lawyer Can Do for You
A mediation lawyer specializes in resolving disputes outside of the courtroom through a process called mediation. Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation lawyers can represent clients in various matters, including divorce, business disputes, employment conflicts, contract issues, personal injury claims, and more.
Unlike litigation, mediation is a less adversarial and more cost-effective way to settle disputes, often leading to faster resolutions and preserving relationships between the parties involved.
When Should I Hire a Mediation Lawyer?
Consider hiring a mediation lawyer when you’re involved in a dispute and want to avoid the time, expense, and stress of going to court. Common reasons to hire a mediation lawyer include:
- Divorce or child custody disputes: A mediation lawyer can help you reach a fair settlement on issues like property division, alimony, and parenting arrangements without going to court.
- Business or contract disputes: For disagreements such as contract disputes, partnership conflicts, or intellectual property issues, a mediation lawyer can assist in resolving the matter through negotiation.
- Employment disputes: Issues like wrongful termination, discrimination, or wage disputes can be addressed through mediation to find common ground and avoid lawsuits.
- Personal injury cases: Mediation can help both parties agree on compensation in cases like car accidents or slip-and-fall claims without a prolonged court battle.
- Property disputes: Disputes over property ownership, landlord-tenant issues, or boundary disagreements can be settled more amicably through mediation.
- Family or inheritance disputes: Mediation can help resolve conflicts over wills or trusts without further dividing the family.
What Does a Mediation Lawyer Do?
A mediation lawyer provides a range of services to help clients resolve disputes through negotiation and mutual agreement. Their responsibilities often include:
- Representing your interests: Acting as your advocate during mediation to ensure your rights are protected and you understand your legal options.
- Preparing for mediation: Reviewing the facts of the case, gathering necessary documents, and advising you on potential resolutions.
- Facilitating communication: Helping to facilitate open and constructive dialogue between parties to clarify points of contention.
- Negotiating settlements: Assisting in negotiating fair and balanced settlement terms that are in your best interest.
- Drafting mediation agreements: Preparing the official mediation agreement that outlines the terms of the settlement, which is often legally binding.
- Avoiding litigation: Aiming to reach a settlement that eliminates the need for a court trial, saving time and resources for both parties.
- Handling complex legal issues: Explaining the legal implications of various settlement terms in cases with complicated legal matters.
How Are Mediation Lawyers Paid?
Mediation lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the time involved. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Charging an hourly fee ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on experience and case complexity.
- Flat fee: For simpler mediations, some lawyers may offer a flat fee covering all legal work involved in the process.
- Retainer: In ongoing or complex cases, a retainer may be required as an upfront payment billed against as work progresses.
Discuss fees and payment structures with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the cost of mediation services.
How Much Does a Mediation Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a mediation lawyer depends on several factors, including the case's complexity, the lawyer’s experience, and the time required to resolve the dispute. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Typically between $150 and $500 per hour.
- Flat fees: For simple mediations, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Total mediation costs: Can vary widely, from $2,000 to $10,000 for straightforward cases, up to $10,000 to $50,000 or more for complex disputes.
Always request a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand total expenses.
Top Questions to Ask a Mediation Lawyer
Before hiring a mediation lawyer, consider asking the following questions:
-
What experience do you have with mediation cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in handling similar disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate based on your specific case. -
What is the likelihood of resolving my case through mediation?
Seek an honest assessment of whether mediation is suitable for your situation. -
How long will the mediation process take?
Inquire about the expected timeline and number of sessions required. -
Will you personally handle my case?
Confirm who will manage your mediation and represent your interests. -
Can we pursue alternative dispute resolution (ADR) if necessary?
Ask about other forms of ADR, such as arbitration, if mediation doesn't resolve the conflict.
How to Check the Credibility of a Mediation Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable mediation lawyer, take the following steps:
- Verify their bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary history.
- Look for mediation experience: Review their website or professional profile for specialization in mediation and successful case histories.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Check platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google for client feedback.
- Ask for references: Request references from past clients familiar with their mediation skills.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications from organizations like the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:
- Relevant documents: Any materials related to the dispute, such as contracts, emails, financial records, or court filings.
- List of key issues: A detailed list of the main points of contention that need resolution.
- Timeline of events: A chronological account of events leading up to the dispute, including prior resolution attempts.
- Goals for the mediation: Be prepared to discuss your desired outcomes and areas where you're willing to compromise.
- Questions for the lawyer: Any queries about the mediation process, fees, or their approach to dispute resolution.
Being well-prepared will help the lawyer assess your case effectively and provide the best possible advice for resolving your dispute through mediation.
